Science Meeting Real Life
Introduction
Science is systematic process of obtain knowledge (Scientific Methods, 2011). Science mainly relies on 5 basic steps to obtain knowledge, solve a problem or provide an explanation to a given phenomenon. These include; identifying the problem, making observation, forming hypothesis, experimenting and drawing conclusion. Scientific methods of investigation have been widely used in the discovery of knowledge in various academic and professional fields. However, these scientific methods are not only limited to these fields alone but are also utilized in day to day activities. We apply scientific skills every day; our radios, television, telephones, computers and game boxes use science. Though unaware we also use scientific methods to perform routine tasks, to arrive at various decisions and to solve problems that we encounter in our daily activities. This paper will describe how people make use of science in their daily lives.
Applying Science in Daily Life
Scenario 1: You arrive home late at night. You walk up to the front door, unlock it, and reach in to turn on the light switch located just inside the front door. The light does not come on! Now what? In these scenario the individual has recognize that he or she has a problem with the lights. This has fulfilled the first step of scientific investigation, which is identifying the problem. Identifying the problem is an important step in science as to provide the basis for the entire investigation. The researcher must have a clear understanding of the issue at hand that requires an answer.
The next probable plan of action for this scenario may be to try out the lights in other sections of the house. If they are okay the individual will understand that problem is isolated in the living room. The individual will then proceed to check the switch for the living room lamp and the bulb to see if they may be faulty. If the lights in the other rooms are not working, it will then mean that the problem is in the entire lighting system of the house. The individual may start by checking the main switch to the house to see if the problem may have originated from there. These actions fulfill the second step of scientific investigation which is making observation. Observation step is usually exploratory in nature and entails ‘pocking around’ in order to discover the extent and possible causes of the problem (Scientific Methods, 2011). This step enables the individual to link the knowledge he has of electricity and the observation he or she is making.
The next plan off action would be to come up with various suggestions on what may be the source of the lighting problem. This is line with the scientific step of formulating hypothesis. A hypothesis is an informed guess that attempt to predict the relationship between phenomena (Scientific Methods, 2011). In this scenario, an individual would develop several hypothesis that link the phenomenon of absence of light to other phenomena such as a broken or damaged switch, spoiled bulb or problem with the electricity meter. The individual may come up with as many hypotheses as possible depending on the nature of the problem and his knowledge of electricity.
The individual with the lighting problem may then proceed to test his suggestion. Depending with his knowledge on electricity, the individual may decide to change the bulb or the switch. This is equivalent to the experimentation step of scientific investigation (Scientific Methods, 2011). In scientific research, experimentation is aimed at proving the hypothesis. The individual may test all the areas of speculation.
After testing all the speculations, the individual will arrive at a conclusion about the problem. The individual may prove the one or several hypothesis right or all of them may have been wrong. Changing the bulb or the switch may have solved the problem and derive the conclusion that the problem may have arisen from the bulb or switch.
Scenario 2: In the morning you get out of your house as usual and get into your vehicle ready to head for work. You insert your ignition key to start your vehicle but the car refuses to start! What next?
In this scenario the problem has already been identified (Scientific Methods, 2011). The problem is that the car has problem starting. You have now to “poke around” and try to find out what is the root cause of this problem. You may begin by checking your car battery, the car engine, the car ignition system in order to define the extent of the problem. This is inline with the observation step in the 5 methods of scientific investigation. Then you may begin to formulate hypothesis. One hypothesis may be such as; the batteries of the vehicles are down or that the car ignition system has a problem. The next step is experimentation. You may try to exchange the car batteries, change the engine oil, and check the car ignition system in attempt to find where the problem is. You may also check the gas tank to see whether it may be part of the problem. The aim of this step is test whether the hypotheses are right or wrong. After experimentation you may arrive at a conclusion on where the problem lies. You will be able to understand which hypothesis would work and which would not.
Why I Cannot Live without Science
Science is usually involved in each of my daily activities in one form or the others. When going to bed I have to plan the next day’s activities. I have to know what time I will have to wake up the following morning and how activities will follow each other in the day. The systematic approach to planning the day’s activities is in line with the scientific way of doing things. Sciences emphasizes on use of clearly defined steps and procedures. In order to wake up at the desired time, I normally set my wake up alarm to this time. The first thing I do after waking up it to take a shower and dress up ready for day. Scientific methods are also used to arrive at a conclusion on which type of clothing will be appropriate for the day’s activities or weather. I then proceed to prepare breakfast. Scientific techniques are also applied in breakfast preparation. I have to use scientific methods to decide which diet is appropriate and which one is not. I also utilize systematic processes in the actual preparation, for example, when determining the amount of sugar to put or the amount of milk to add into the prepared coffee. After breakfast I live the house to begin my daily activities. Much of my day time hours are spent in school and my place of work. Scientific skills are widely applied when performing these daily activities. Science is applied when closing the road, studying and preparing for examination
Science has helped to improve the quality of my life. Scientific investigations are usually based on set goals and objectives. Scientific work is must be tied to a specific purpose. Use of scientific methods has helped me to focus my life around set goals and objectives. When planning my day’s activities, have to prioritize issues according to their contribution to the achievements of my goals and objective. It has also become clear to me, what procedures I should follow and what technique to use in order to arrive at the desired goals. Science has also led to invention of various commodities and services that have improved my life. Computers, automobiles, telephones, lighting and medication among many other are product of scientific investigation. These commodities have improved life tremendously. The computer is one scientific invention that has changed my life in great way. Computers are used in education, banking, entertainment and communication among other spheres of life. Another scientific field that has made important contribution in my life is the field of medicine. Science has led to the discovery of various medications, medical equipments and interventions that have crucial in saving so many lives.
Though science has so many benefits in the society, it has some negative impacts. Before scientific methods were emphasized on, people relied to intuition for many things (ColumbiaStateUniversity, 2011). Science has no room for such thoughts and intuition as issues must be supported by evidence. This has blocked away some knowledge and ideas. This aspect of science has also interfered with certain values of the society. For example, people’s faith in God and in other things has been dismissed by science since they lack evidence to support them. There are various scientific theories that disapprove religious beliefs and societal values. Science has also led to inventions that have turned out to be harmful to humans and the environment. The field of medicine has led to invention of various life saving drugs. However, these drugs are today being abused leading to addiction and deaths. Though automobiles have improved transportation, they have also increased the number of accidents. Gun and other weapon technologies that were supposed to enhance people’s security have today become the leading risk factor for crime, fear and insecurity. Science has also degraded the interpersonal relationships (ColumbiaStateUniversity, 2011). Communication technologies such as telephone, emails and social networks have replaced personal interactions.
Science has also led to many industrial developments that have contributed to job creations and economic development. These technologies have however led to great environmental degradation. Industrial chemicals and fumes from automobile are example of pollutants that are as a result of scientific invention.Science is an important skill in life that one can hardly do without. We utilize science even in the simplest tasks such making spontaneous decisions. Though subconsciously, people utilize scientific skills to perform routine activities such as cooking, bathing, dressing, walking and crossing the road among many others. Without this systematic reasoning, life will be so difficult if not impossible.
Conclusion
Science is an important skill in life. It emphasizes on the use of systematic processes in thinking, working and solving problems. It involves five basic steps; identifying the problem, observation, formulating hypothesis, experimentation and arriving at a conclusion. Though many people associate scientific methods with complex academic and professional activities, scientific skills are also utilized in simple day to day activities. Subconsciously, people utilize scientific investigative skills to perform activities such as; cooking, driving, making decisions and solving problems. Science has also become a significant part of life as many sphere of life are now dependent on various scientific inventions such as computers, medicine, automobile and communication among others. It is difficult to imagine the world without science.
References
Anonymous (2011). Understanding and Using Scientific Methods. May 5, 2011. Retrieved from http://www.sciencemadesimple.com/scientific_method.html
ColumbiaStateUniversity (2010). Possible Negative Impacts of Science. May 5, 2011. Retrieved from http://www.columbia.edu/cu/genie/topic04.html
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